Abstract [en]

Interest in the health benefits of animals in healthcare can be traced far back in time. Research on the subject, however, had a boost during the 1990s. Historically, animals have been used in the care of children, but also in psychiatry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pets on the elderly and staff in a nursing home setting. Qualitative interviews were conducted to collect material from both staff and residents in a retirement home. The number of informants was eight and all were women. The material was analyzed and themed. The work generated the following four themes: security, quality of life, intersectionality and trust. The result showed that animals in health care have a positive effect, psychologically and physically, on both the elderly and the staff. The animal's emotional impact on man and the importance of the relationship between man and animal became particularly clear during the interviews where the animal was present. The elderly expressed that the animal, in this case predominantly dogs, had a great significance for them. Loving views and repeatedly commenting on the animal reinforced the informants' verbal description of their relationship with the animal. The staff talked about the relationship between the residents and the dogs, including a woman with periods of depression and introverted behavior that experienced positive changes with the dogs. The woman felt more calm, happy and social in the proximity of the dogs. According to accounts about animals in healthcare settings this type of reaction is common. Concepts like an experience of peace, security and love were constantly recurring during the interviews.